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Mother’s Day weekend arrives just as Toronto settles into spring. Patios fill, gardens are blooming and the city feels lighter again. From Yorkville brunches to spa afternoons and market mornings, it’s one of the best weekends to slow down and enjoy the city with your mom. 

Afternoon Tea

• The Windsor Arms Hotel: One of Toronto’s most iconic afternoon tea experiences, complete with champagne service, pastries and classic old-world elegance.
• The St. Regis Toronto: Refined and modern, with a beautifully polished tea service that feels especially elevated for a celebratory weekend.
• Shangri-La Toronto: A quieter, contemporary option with an understated luxury feel and beautifully designed interiors.

Spa Afternoons

• Hammam Spa by Céla: A calm, design-forward escape inspired by traditional Moroccan bathhouses.
• Othership: Ideal for moms who prefer wellness-focused experiences with sauna circuits, cold plunges and guided classes.
• Elmwood Spa: A longtime Toronto favourite with pools, water therapies and full-day spa packages.

Brunch Reservations

• Piano Piano: Chic, vibrant and ideal for a relaxed brunch with great cocktails and a lively Midtown crowd.
• Oretta Midtown: Airy interiors, excellent cocktails and one of Midtown’s best brunch scenes.
• Sassafraz: A Yorkville classic that feels especially good once patio season begins.
• Mary Be Kitchen – Yorkville: Bright, wellness-focused and effortlessly stylish, with healthy brunch plates, pastries and great coffee.
• Fresh Kitchen + Juice Bar: A Midtown staple for healthy brunches, smoothies and plant-based dishes in a polished, airy space.
• Manita: An Ossington staple for healthy brunches in a polished cafe.

Shows & Cultural Nights Out

• Mirvish.ca: Ideal for a classic theatre night paired with dinner and cocktails nearby.
• Toronto Symphony: One of the city’s most elegant concert venues for orchestral performances and special events.
• National Ballet: Perfect for ballet, opera and a more formal evening experience.
• TIFF Bell Lightbox: For film-loving moms who appreciate independent cinema and curated screenings.

Spring Markets & Weekend Wandering

• Evergreen Brick Works: Farmers’ markets, artisan vendors and scenic trails all in one of the city’s best natural settings.
• St. Lawrence Market: A Toronto institution for flowers, pastries, cheese, fresh produce and gourmet finds.
• Distillery District: Cobblestone streets, galleries, cafés and boutique shopping that feels especially charming in spring.
• Stackt Market: A more modern market experience with rotating pop-ups, local brands and outdoor programming.

Afternoon Cocktails

• Bar Reyna: One of the city’s best hidden courtyard patios.
• Le Swan: A perfectly nostalgic French diner with low lighting and an effortlessly cool atmosphere.
• The Oxley: Cozy, polished and ideal for long spring lunches.
• Terroni: Consistently lively with classic Italian energy.
• Aera: Skyline views, elevated cocktails and one of Toronto’s most talked-about dining rooms right now.
• Le Sélect Bistro: Polished and classic, but still captures that old-Toronto French brasserie atmosphere people love

Where to Shop for Mom in Midtown Toronto

If you’re looking for a more thoughtful alternative to traditional gifting, Midtown Toronto has no shortage of stylish local boutiques worth exploring this Mother’s Day weekend.

• The Wanderly: A curated mix of fashion, jewelry, beauty and home pieces from independent brands and makers.
• Good Neighbour: Worth the short trip for its elevated lifestyle selection featuring fashion, skincare, design objects and cool gift finds.
• Coal Miner’s Daughter: Known for contemporary Canadian fashion, everyday jewelry and effortlessly wearable pieces.
• Easy Tiger Goods: A beautifully curated shop featuring ceramics, textiles, candles and modern home accessories.
• Scout: A favourite for design-forward gifts, stationery, accessories and locally made pieces.

Whether it’s flowers, fashion, home décor or a beautifully wrapped small find, shopping local is one of the best ways to make Mother’s Day feel personal.

Whether it’s a long brunch, flowers from her favourite market or simply an afternoon spent together, Mother’s Day tends to be less about the plans themselves and more about making time for the people who make everyday life feel special. Luckily Toronto does this kind of weekend very well – especially in the spring, when the city feels a little softer, slower and made for lingering a little longer.

Happy Mother’s Day from the Lome Irwin Team! 

April’s TRREB data offered one of the clearest signals that Toronto’s spring market is finding its footing; in a much more balanced way than the city has experienced in previous years.

According to the latest data from the Toronto Regional Real Estate Board (TRREB), GTA home sales increased compared to March while new listings remained elevated across many market segments. The result is a spring market that feels active, but far less competitive than what Toronto buyers and sellers became accustomed to during earlier market cycles. (trreb.ca)

Here’s what we’re seeing locally as those numbers begin to play out across Toronto neighbourhoods:

Buyers Have More Room to Be Selective

One of the defining themes of this spring market is choice.

Inventory levels across the GTA remain higher than they were during the intensely competitive markets of previous years, giving buyers more flexibility when comparing properties, neighbourhoods and price points. Rather than rushing decisions, many buyers are approaching the market more carefully by prioritizing layout, condition and long-term lifestyle fit. In practice, that has created a measured pace across many Toronto neighbourhoods.

Well-positioned homes are still attracting attention, but buyers are spending more time evaluating value and weighing options before moving forward.

Presentation Matters More Than Ever

The current market is rewarding homes that feel move-in ready.

As buyers have more inventory to choose from, strategic pricing, thoughtful presentation and strong design have become increasingly important. Renovated, well-maintained homes that reflect today’s buyer expectations continue to stand out, especially in established Toronto neighbourhoods where lifestyle and long-term livability remain top priorities.

At the same time, homes that enter the market priced too aggressively relative to nearby inventory are often taking longer to attract attention. The gap between “good inventory” and “great inventory” feels especially noticeable right now.

Condos Continue to Offer Opportunity for Buyers

TRREB’s April data also continued to reflect elevated condo inventory levels across parts of the GTA. (trreb.ca)

For buyers, particularly first-time purchasers and downsizers, that has created more opportunity within the condo segment than we’ve seen in recent years. Buyers are able to compare layouts, amenities and neighbourhoods more carefully without the same urgency that defined past spring markets.

That said, demand remains strongest for suites that offer something difficult to replicate: Functional layouts, quality finishes, walkable locations and strong access to parks, transit and neighbourhood amenities.

Midtown Toronto Continues to Stand Apart

While broader market trends matter, Toronto remains deeply neighbourhood-driven and Midtown continues to benefit from fundamentals that consistently hold long-term appeal.

Walkability, established schools, green space and a strong sense of community continue to drive interest in midtown neighbourhoods. Buyers searching for long-term family homes are still prioritizing areas where everyday lifestyle feels connected and convenient.

This spring, we’re continuing to see strong interest in turnkey homes within established Midtown pockets, particularly properties that balance character, functionality and proximity to outdoor space.

A More Balanced Spring Market

Perhaps the biggest takeaway from April’s TRREB numbers is balance.

The market feels more active than it did earlier this year, but without the intensity that once defined Toronto spring real estate. Buyers have more room to evaluate their options, while sellers are benefiting from renewed seasonal momentum, especially when homes are positioned thoughtfully.

For many clients, that balance creates opportunity on both sides of the market.

Every market shift creates new opportunities, but understanding where those opportunities exist requires more than headline numbers alone. In a city as nuanced as Toronto, local perspective continues to matter.

If you’re planning a move this year or looking for guidance on your next step, connect with us at clientcare@lomeirwin.com for a personalized approach to navigating today’s market..

By May, Midtown Toronto settles into its best rhythm; trees in full bloom, patios alive with energy, and families spending more time outdoors.

Here is what family life looks like across midtown right now.

1. Peak Bloom & The After-School Rhythm

While High Park draws the crowds, Midtown locals know the beauty lies in the quieter blooms. From the cherry blossoms at Alexander Muir Memorial Gardens to the winding paths of Mount Pleasant Cemetery, spring arrives here with a little more calm and a lot more charm.

2. Farmers’ Markets & Weekend Rituals

May also signals the return of outdoor market season – one of the best parts of summer in the city. From local produce stands to kid-friendly food workshops and nearby nature trails, a simple market run quickly turns into a full morning outing. Here are a few markets worth checking out this summer:

Evergreen Brick Works Farmers Market: One of the city’s most beloved weekend markets, combining local produce, artisan vendors and family-friendly programming with scenic walking trails and green space – making it just as much a summer outing as it is a grocery run.

The Welcome Market: Spring Edition (May 8-10, 2026): A popular Midtown pop-up often hosted near 918 Bathurst or local community hubs, featuring curated vintage finds, handmade jewelry and locally roasted coffee from independent Toronto makers.

Davisville Village Farmers Market (Opening May 12, 2026): The seasonal return of this Tuesday favorite at June Rowlands Park. It’s the perfect spot to grab organic produce while the kids enjoy the “Apple Pie” music series.

3. May 2026 Key Dates & Family Festivals

May is one of the busiest months for family-friendly programming in Toronto:

• The weeFestival (May 1-17, 2026): A dedicated arts festival for children ages 0–6, featuring sensory-focused theatre and puppetry in unique community spaces.
• Victoria Day Weekend (May 18, 2026): The unofficial start of summer. Families head to the waterfront for fireworks or local nurseries for the season’s first seedlings.
• Doors Open Toronto (May 23-24, 2026): Explore historic buildings and hidden spaces for free. This year, we recommend checking out the Akin Davisville art studios to see the creative side of Midtown.
• Spring Fair (May 29-31, 2026): Local street fairs and school festivals ramp up this weekend, offering that small-town feel in the heart of the city.

4. Trails, Ravines & Active Afternoons

By mid-May, the city’s trail systems like the Beltline and the Don Valley network are in pristine condition. The access to safe, scenic outdoor space remains the biggest lifestyle driver for Midtown buyers.

5. Patios & The “Walkable Afternoon”

One of the most underrated parts of May is the ease of everyday life in a walkable neighbourhood. After-school ice cream stops, patio dinners with the kids and evening strolls become part of the daily rhythm. In Midtown, these small routines often matter more than any listing feature; they’re the moments families end up valuing most once they’re here.

Some favourite Midtown patios to bookmark for the season ahead:

• Terroni: A longtime neighbourhood staple for pasta, wine and lively summer evenings.
• Oretta Midtown: Airy, stylish and ideal for long lunches or family dinners.
• Stock Bar: Rooftop-style energy with one of the best patio scenes uptown.
• Hemingway’s Restaurant: A Yorkville classic with a sprawling rooftop patio perfect for warm evenings.
• Boxcar Social: Relaxed energy that transitions seamlessly from coffee to cocktails.
• La Vecchia Restaurant: Tucked-away Italian comfort with a patio that feels quietly European in the summer.
• Joso’s: An iconic Toronto spot with a charming tucked-away patio and Mediterranean feel.
• Auberge du Pommier: A hidden garden patio with a quiet, refined feel that’s hard to believe is in the middle of the city.

As tree-lined blocks return to life and patios, parks and local gathering spots fill up again, it becomes the perfect time to rethink what you want from your everyday lifestyle.

If you’re looking for a team that understands Toronto neighbourhoods as deeply as the homes within them, we’re here to help.

Browse our latest listings or reach out at clientcare@lomeirwin.com to start the conversation about your family’s next chapter.

The latest numbers from the Toronto Regional Real Estate Board show a market that has clearly slowed compared to last year. In March, there were 5,039 home sales across the GTA, up 1.7% year over year. At the same time, new listings dropped to 14,442, while the average price came in at $1,017,796, down 6.7%.

On paper, that sounds like a softer market. In practice, especially in Central Toronto, we are seeing a shift in behaviour.

Buyers are watching the market closely, taking more time, and being more selective about what they pursue. Some homes sit. Others move quickly. The difference is pricing, condition and location. After years of rapid appreciation, pricing is resetting to reflect today’s market. The gap between expectation and reality has narrowed.

The Bigger Story:

One of the most important pieces of this report is what is happening with listings. Fewer homeowners are choosing to sell right now. In Central Toronto, this matters.

Even though there are fewer buyers transacting, there are also fewer homes to choose from. Buyers are selective, but when a well-executed property comes to market, it stands out.

We are seeing:

• strong interest on well-prepared homes
• hesitation on anything that feels overpriced
• buyers willing to wait, but not willing to compromise

Looking Ahead:

TRREB is pointing toward improving conditions as the year goes on. As borrowing costs stabilize, more buyers are expected to step back in. If listing supply stays tight, that could shift the pace of the market fairly quickly.

Final Thoughts:

For buyers, there is more room to negotiate than we have seen in some time, but the best opportunities still require quick decisions. For sellers, success comes down to positioning. Pricing, presentation and timing make a huge difference.

People still really want to be in Central Toronto, that hasn’t changed. Buyers are being more considerate about how and when they make a move.

If you’re planning a move in 2026, the right strategy matters more than ever. Reach out to discuss how to position yourself in today’s market. clientcare@lomeirwin.com

Preparing Your Home for the Season Ahead

Spring offers a natural opportunity to reset. Beyond tradition, spring cleaning is a practical way to maintain the value, functionality and the overall feel of your home.

Over time, even well-maintained spaces accumulate clutter, dust, and inefficiencies that are easy to ignore during busier months. A thorough seasonal reset allows homeowners to step back and reassess how their space is being used. From a practical standpoint, spring cleaning supports the long-term upkeep of a property. It also improves air quality and creates a healthier living environment, something that becomes especially noticeable as windows open and fresh air circulates again.

For those considering a move, spring cleaning is even more important. A well-prepared home presents better, photographs more effectively, and ultimately positions itself more strongly in the market. Buyers respond to spaces that feel clean, cared for, and effortless.

At its core, spring cleaning is about creating alignment between how a home looks, feels, and functions. It is a seasonal opportunity to simplify, refresh and bring a sense of order back into the space you live in.

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Spring Cleaning Checklist

Focus on the areas that make the most visible and functional difference:

Living Spaces

• Declutter surfaces and remove unnecessary items
• Dust all surfaces, including shelves, lighting, and décor
• Clean windows to maximize natural light
• Refresh soft furnishings such as cushions and throws

Kitchen

• Deep clean appliances, including oven and refrigerator
• Wipe down cabinets and organize storage
• Clear countertops to create a more open feel
• Dispose of expired pantry items

Bedrooms

• Rotate and refresh bedding
• Declutter closets and donate unused items
• Organize drawers and storage spaces
• Clean under beds and overlooked areas

Bathrooms

• Deep clean tile, grout, and fixtures
• Refresh towels and bath linens
• Organize cabinets and remove unused products
• Ensure proper ventilation and airflow

Entryways and Storage

• Streamline or store winter coats, boots and other seasonal items
• Organize storage closets and mudrooms
• Create a clean, welcoming first impression

Exterior

• Power wash walkways, driveways, and exterior surfaces
• Clean windows and screens from the outside
• Tidy landscaping, trim hedges and remove debris
• Refresh outdoor furniture
• Inspect roof, gutters, and downspouts
• Ensure entryways feel clean and well-maintained

Maintenance Touchpoints

• Replace air filters
• Check smoke and carbon monoxide detectors
• Inspect for minor repairs or touch-ups
• Clean vents and baseboards

If you are preparing your home for the market or simply looking to elevate how it presents, we would be pleased to offer guidance on where to focus for the greatest impact. Reach out to us at clientcare@lomeirwin.com

What this Means for Buyers: 

The province of Ontario has introduced a temporary measure that removes the provincial portion of HST on new homes. Effective April 1, 2026 and currently set to run through March 31, 2027, the program allows eligible purchasers to benefit from a full rebate of the provincial HST. On higher-value homes, this can translate into savings approaching six figures, significantly reducing the total cost of entry.

This program applies specifically to newly built homes, including pre-construction properties, newly constructed houses and substantially renovated homes that are treated as new under tax rules. It does not apply to resale properties, where HST is not charged in the same way. Eligibility is also tied to how the home is intended to be used, with the rebate generally designed for buyers purchasing a home as a primary residence rather than purely for investment purposes. As with most housing incentives, specific conditions apply.

For years, HST has been one of the more overlooked costs associated with new construction. Unlike resale properties where tax is not applied in the same way, new homes have carried an additional layer of expense that often impacts both affordability and purchasing decisions. With this temporary adjustment, that gap narrows.

In a market where buyers are increasingly deliberate, the removal of HST introduces a level of financial efficiency that has not been available in recent years. It creates a scenario where new construction becomes not only viable, but in many cases, strategically advantageous.

There is also a broader intention behind the policy. By reducing the cost burden on buyers, the province aims to support activity in the new home sector and encourage continued development. While the long-term effects will unfold over time, the immediate impact is clear: buyers now have access to a more favourable entry point into newly built housing.

With the program scheduled for just one year, decisions that might otherwise be delayed may now carry greater urgency. For those already considering a new build or pre-construction opportunity, this shift is less about speculation and more about timing.

The removal of HST is a short-term alignment of conditions that allows buyers to enter the market with greater efficiency, clarity, and control.

If this shift aligns with your plans, we would be pleased to advise on how to approach it with precision. Reach out to us at clientcare@lomeirwin.com. 

Builders converted nine garages used for storage into a one-bedroom unit and three studios. 

March 20, 2026

4 min read

By Victoria GibsonAffordable Housing Reporter

From the entrance of Unit G1, a ground-floor apartment in a 1950s rental building in Danforth-East York, it’s clear this home wasn’t in the original plan. Its most eye-catching feature, a fire-engine red front entrance, opens up to a yet-untouched one-bedroom apartment, bathed in a fresh coat of white paint. 

In the middle of the living space, there’s a small glint of metal on the floor from a drainage cleanout access cover. But there are few hints, otherwise, that this space wasn’t always an apartment: until recently, it was a garage. 

What was once a row of nine garages at the base of a 26-unit, four-storey rental building — garages the owner says were mostly used as storage in recent years — has been gutted and rearranged as apartments, with a one-bedroom and three studios. It’s one of the latest cases in Toronto of “adaptive reuse” — or using different types of buildings to add housing, like the recent efforts to convert underused office spaces into living set-ups. 

Brayden Irwin, whose company bought the rental building at 325 Sammon Ave. in 2019, says this is how he always imagined using the ground-floor space. He pointed to the new picture windows and polished concrete floors in the one-bedroom that he says aimed for a “loft” feel. The splashy red doors, he said, were the idea of architects from Steven Fong Architecture.

“There is, I think, a missing segment in the rental market,” Irwin told the Star, saying they aimed to create “stylish” units without sky-high prices. “I’m not talking about the least expensive units on the market — but what we’re trying to do is offer a really high-quality product in that middle-market range.”

At $2,300 per month for the one-bedroom and $1,900 for a studio, the new units are a few hundred dollars below the average price of a new-build rental in Toronto, which as of late 2025 was about $2,500 for a one-bedroom and $2,200 for a studio, per market research firm Urbanation. 

To proceed with its garage conversion plan, the company of which Irwin is president, 2712866 Ontario Ltd., needed permission from Toronto’s committee of adjustment. 

At a hearing in late 2022, a neighbour raised concerns about noise and a lack of discussion with neighbours. The committee, too, was hesitant to say yes, and asked for more clarity on what would happen to the asphalt outside of the new front doors: could vehicles still park there, or would it be new green space? 

At a second hearing in 2023, Irwin’s team presented a new site plan that showed a walkway replacing the asphalt where cars used to park, with gardens, greenery outside the doors, and trees along the property line. It was enough to win over their neighbour, who said they fully supported a plan to add more rentals and “much-needed green space.”

There was no on-site parking planned for the building, which is located about ten minutes’ walk away from Greenwood TTC station.

Work began in earnest in 2024. Changing use wasn’t a simple process, Irwin said: in their case, it included breaking up the concrete below the old garages, replumbing then repouring the concrete, plus months of back-and-forth over whether the building’s electrical system needed upgrading, which he said could have cost more than $100,000. That wasn’t ultimately needed, he said.

“Something like that would have really been the difference of us being able to do this project and not,” Irwin said. He felt the process of getting clarity on the path forward was more drawn out than needed: “It shouldn’t be this difficult, especially when there’s such a need for this type of housing.”

This kind of adaptive project in an existing space can be cheaper than building new, Irwin said. He said their team, which finished the new units in January, wound up spending between $300,000 and $350,000 per apartment. 

On chilly day in mid-March, the space in front of the new apartments was covered by a thin layer of snow. A row of young cedar trees had been planted near the property line, and the asphalt had been replaced with a walkway, soil and pea gravel, with Irwin noting that some spaces had been earmarked for garden beds. The design of the outdoor space isn’t finished, he said, noting they were consulting with a landscape architect on what to add. 

“There are a lot of things I would love to do, but we’re restrained by how much things cost. At the end of the day, it’s an investment. There has to be a return on that investment,” he said, noting additional landscaping would likely take place in the spring or summer. 

To Matti Siemiatycki, a University of Toronto expert in housing and city planning issues, the renovation on Sammon Avenue is a case study in “gentle intensification” — and the kind of inventiveness he’d like to see replicated. 

“On their own, these types of projects are a drop in the ocean. But combined and done at scale, they can start to have an impact,” Siemiatycki said.

“If we look at all the assets of the private sector, the city, different NGOs and various stakeholders, there are likely thousands — if not tens of thousands — of these types of spaces that are, in one way or another, underused.”

Of the four new units, Irwin says three have so far been leased. One has been rented to a couple moving from Brazil, he said — one had secured a work permit and the other was pursuing a graduate degree. Another unit was rented to a man who used to live in an upstairs unit, Irwin said, who moved out of town for a while but wanted to return to the same community.

Irwin sees projects like theirs as adding more housing choice — and an option for tenants who are looking to live outside of areas filled with highrises. 

“We obviously have a housing shortage in the city, and I think that is something that has been known for quite some time,” Irwin said.

“I think a lot of people want to live in areas where they have a connection to the ground and the neighbourhood around — as opposed to being in a box in the sky.”

SYDNIA YU | TORONTO

SPECIAL TO THE GLOBE AND MAIL

https://www.theglobeandmail.com/real-estate/toronto/article-buyers-pay-33000-over-asking-for-turnkey-semi-in-uptown-toronto

PUBLISHED MARCH 18, 2026

65 Edith Dr., Toronto 

Asking price: $1,495,000 (February, 2026)

Selling price: $1,528,000 (February, 2026)

Previous selling prices: $1,315,000 (June, 2019); $440,000 (August, 2005); $310,000 (February, 1990) 

Taxes: $6,447 (2025) 

Days on the market: Three

Listing agents: Brayden Irwin and Carol Lome, Royal LePage Real Estate Services Ltd., Johnston and Daniel Division

The action

Property sales in the Eglinton Park area were inconsistent in the new year, offering little indication of how quickly buyers would gravitate to this semi-detached house, especially with record snowfalls keeping many people indoors. The sellers’ dogged effort to shovel enough snow to clear access to the property was rewarded with roughly 20 weekday visitors. Three of those made purchase offers and a planned open house was cancelled. 

“We felt February could be a good time to come to market because there isn’t a ton of inventory out yet,” said agent Brayden Irwin. “Usually, people who are starting to look, or haven’t bought in the fall, are ready to go.

“We didn’t foresee nearly four feet of snow that ended up falling, but it still ended up being a good decision.” 

This home had several advantages over others for sale nearby, including a refinished basement and parking. One bidder factored those assets into an offer of $33,000 over the asking price. 

“If a property is lacking in any area, buyers are really scrutinizing that,” said Mr. Irwin. 

“This semi had great width with a proper living and dining room, a nice, big kitchen, and three good-sized bedrooms. 

“It was turnkey, had extra living space, and a generous, legal, front pad parking spot.”

What they got

This two-storey house has 1,186 square feet of living space with hardwood flooring and a wood-burning fireplace in the living room.

The kitchen was recently opened to the dining area and redesigned with shaker cabinetry, tile backsplashes and access to a fenced-in yard on the 19- by 96-foot lot. 

Two full bathrooms and the recreation area in the basement were also renovated. 

The agent’s take

“It’s really close to Yonge and Eglinton, and now we finally have the LRT open,” Mr. Irwin said.